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Wat Mahathat temple ruins in Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Official seal of the Fine Arts Department of Thailand, the authority responsible for historical sites and cultural heritage protection.

Regulated by the Fine Arts Department (FAD) • Additional local/UNESCO rules may apply

Drone operations in Thailand’s historical and archaeological areas are tightly controlled to protect cultural heritage, visitors, and sacred practices. Approval from the Fine Arts Department (FAD) is required in addition to your normal CAAT/NBTC compliance.

Ancient Buddha temple ruins in Thailand, located within a protected historical heritage site.

  • Safeguard national heritage, sacred sites and religious ceremonies.

  • Prevent hazards to visitors, structures and fragile monuments.

  • Respect privacy & cultural norms around monks, worshippers and events.

  • Coordinate airspace with CAAT and ground management with FAD / local authorities.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram at Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Thailand.

(Examples – not exhaustive; local offices may add temporary rules)

  • Ayutthaya Historical Park (UNESCO)

  • Sukhothai & Si Satchanalai Historical Parks (UNESCO)

  • Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park (UNESCO)

  • Chiang Mai Old City & temple precincts

  • Phanom Rung / Mueang Tam and other registered monuments

  • Major temples & archaeological zones nationwide

Temple at Sukhothai Historical Park reflected in calm water, a protected heritage site in Thailand.

Who issues:
Provincial/Regional Fine Arts Department office responsible for the site (sometimes together with Park/City office).

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Lead time (typical):
5–10 business days (more for UNESCO core zones, ceremonies, or film productions).

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What to submit (typical set):

  • Pilot passport/visa and contact phone/WhatsApp

  • CAAT pilot license + UAV registration (UAS Portal)

  • NBTC controller registration (e-certificate)

  • Drone insurance (≥ 1,000,000 THB liability, valid in Thailand)

  • Project brief: purpose, client/production, usage (tourism/PR/film/news)

  • Flight plan map with lat/long, dates/times, max altitude, route, T/O & landing points

  • Risk & crowd-control plan, spotter details, emergency procedures

  • Owner/venue consent for takeoff/landing (if on non-public land)

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Process steps:​

  1. Prepare documents and flight plan

  2. Submit to FAD office

  3. Answer any clarifications

  4. Receive written permission/conditions

  5. Fly only within approved window and limits

  6. Keep approval letter (digital/print) on set for inspection

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Additional fees may apply depending on the site or permit conditions.

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Ancient Buddha statues at Wat Phra Kaeo in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Thailand.

  • Altitude cap often ≤ 60–90 m AGL (check approval letter).

  • No flights directly above monuments, roofs, pagodas, or crowds.

  • Stand-off from people/structures as specified by FAD/CAAT.

  • No takeoff/landing inside monument grounds unless explicitly allowed.

  • No night flying or during religious ceremonies without special approval.

  • Respect monks/worshippers and on-site manager instructions at all times.

  • Carry your permit + CAAT/NBTC/insurance for inspection.

Judge’s gavel and handcuffs representing penalties for illegal drone operations in Thailand.

  • On-site flight stop, equipment confiscation, and fines under heritage & aviation laws.

  • You may be blacklisted from future filming at heritage locations.

  • Serious cases may be prosecuted. Always secure permits before flying.

Temple ruins at Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand — restricted drone zone.

  • Tourism board or hotel promo filming around historical parks

  • Documentary/TVC shoots near temples or ancient ruins

  • Small crew drone B-roll inside designated buffer zones

  • Live events/ceremonies (requires additional conditions and marshals)

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Tourist woman in a white dress taking a photo near Buddha statues at Ayutthaya temple ruins, Thailand.

  • Do I need FAD approval if I already have CAAT & NBTC?
    Yes. CAAT/NBTC cover airspace & radio; FAD controls the ground/heritage areas.

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  • How long does FAD approval take?
    Typically 5–10 business days; allow longer for UNESCO core zones or large productions.

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  • Can tourists apply?
    Yes, but you must meet CAAT/NBTC/insurance and follow FAD conditions. We can assist.

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  • Can I fly inside temple grounds?
    Only if explicitly authorized. Many sites require takeoff/landing outside the monument area.

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  • Is audio/people filming restricted?
    Yes. Avoid filming monks, ceremonies, worshippers without consent/permit terms.

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  • What if weather changes my schedule?
    Contact the site office before flying to adjust the slot; do not fly outside your approved window.

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